Reply #85: You need only look at the statistics. [View All]

[Atypical Liberal]

Your last paragraph saddens me and reminds me that in this country so many view life as a constant struggle with violence or the imminent threat of violence every day of their lives.

The simple fact is that there are violent assaults every day. Now it is true that not everyone is equally likely to be a victim of violent crime. If you involve yourself in criminal undertakings, like drugs, or gangs, for example, you will have a higher likelihood of being the victim of violence. Likewise if you have a hi-risk profession, like a cab driver, or food delivery, or gas station attendant, etc. But most people will not be victims of violent crime.

But this is no reason not to be prepared for it. Car accidents are rare, but we still wear seat belts and have car insurance. Home fires are rare but we still have smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and homeowner's insurance. Accidents are rare but we still have first aid kits. Furnace malfunctions are rare, but we still have carbon monoxide detectors.

We do all of these things because man is a tool-using creature. We have developed the tools that allow us to mitigate the risks of many hazards. And since the cost of the tool is small compared to needing it and not having it, it is only prudent to avail oneself to the tools if they are within our means.

While violent crime continues to be in decline, there are still nearly a million-and-a-half violent crimes each year in the United States. Without firearms, every one of those assaults will mean that the victim has only three choices: Flee, if they are fast enough, submit, if they can survive submission, or engage in a physical contest of strength, if they are strong enough. The weak would be at the mercy of the strong.